When I first heard Jennifer Knapp's "Undo Me" on the CR Experience Vol 26 I groaned, "Oh no! A 'Christian' Alanis Morissette." It is so often despairing to hear chart hits sanitised and regurgitated by CCM bands a couple of years after their release. But one listen through 'Kansas", which highlights the exceptional talents of the young singer/songwriter, stopped me in my tracks. As well as possessing an achingly expressive voice, Jennifer's poetic lyrics have a heart-stopping intensity and depth. A refreshing "girl non-power" theme develops as she tumbles out tales of struggle, self-surrender and elevation through Christ. Add that to some explosive melodies and a sparing yet beefy musical backdrop, featuring cut-loose string arrangements form Sixpence's Matt Slocum, and you have one of the finds of the year.

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